US blockade on Venezuelan oil expected to cause major drop in exports to China
Following a US military intervention in Venezuela, a new blockade is expected to reduce oil shipments to China by 75 percent starting in February 2026. While a significant volume of crude remains in transit to provide a temporary supply cushion, Chinese refiners are already preparing to seek alternative sources from North America.
Insights:
The United States 
USadministration led by Donald Trump donald trumphas implemented a stringent naval blockade on sanctioned vessels transporting oil from Venezuela 
VEas of December 2025. This significant policy shift followed a military operation that resulted in the capture of Nicolas Maduro nicolas maduro. The blockade has already triggered a sharp decline in the number of tankers departing for China 
CN, with the primary impact expected to manifest in February 2026. Data suggests that crude oil and fuel oil exports from Venezuelato Chinawill plummet by approximately 75 percent, falling from an average of 642,000 barrels per day to just 166,000 barrels per day.
USadministration led by Donald Trump donald trumphas implemented a stringent naval blockade on sanctioned vessels transporting oil from Venezuela VEas of December 2025. This significant policy shift followed a military operation that resulted in the capture of Nicolas Maduro nicolas maduro. The blockade has already triggered a sharp decline in the number of tankers departing for China CN, with the primary impact expected to manifest in February 2026. Data suggests that crude oil and fuel oil exports from Venezuelato Chinawill plummet by approximately 75 percent, falling from an average of 642,000 barrels per day to just 166,000 barrels per day.
